Fraser earns $300,000 grant for barrier-free park

Construction of a barrier-free public park in Fraser could be less than a year away after officials learned recently they’ll receive a $300,000 grant for the project.

“This (grant) will give this project some momentum and some validity,” said Vania Apps, president of a booster group called Fraser First. “To get this grant really means a lot to this project. We’ll keep moving forward.”

The grant comes from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund, and will be used to construct the infrastructure necessary to support the park. The barrier-free facilities will be developed at the 14-acre, city-owned McKinley Park near 13 Mile and Hayes roads.

Initial work will include construction of a parking lot, paved walking/wheelchair trails, lighting, drainage improvements and rest rooms. All improvements will be accessible to handicapped persons.

The total cost of the project is pegged at $650,000. Additional funds to pay for playground equipment must be raised through additional grants or private contribution. Fraser First already raised $33,000 through donations and fund-raisers to satisfy requirements of the grant.

Although described as “barrier free,” the park and its facilities are not solely for handicapped persons. The park will be open and the amenities available to all visitors.

“It is set up so any child can use the park,” said Richard Haberman, Fraser city manager.

The idea of building a barrier-free public park in Fraser dates back several years, officials said. Efforts intensified about two years ago, Apps said.

“This grant award is the result of so much hard work on the part of our executive and advisory boards, volunteers, city leaders and staff,” she said.

“Beyond that … we’ve had such an outpouring of support from the entire Fraser community and Macomb County as a while … Each and every person who helped out … has made this possible.”

Officials hope to open the park next summer, but they admit that schedule may be a bit optimistic. If not, they’ll target the spring of 2014.